Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games

Clubs

Underlounge Seoul

Hongdae or Hongik University Area

This is the local club of a hip Japanese chain that’s also in Shanghai. Located in the famous clubbing area, Hongdae, it’s all flashy with loud music and lights. Spacious, with a supersized crystal ball hanging over your head, DJs from near and far make music while you can hang out at the bar or classy private rooms. Located near the main entrance of Hongik Univ. Call (02) 325-5715 or visit www.underlounge.kr.

Club M2

Hongdae

M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and the DJ are in the center of the club, which attracts a trendy crowd along with models and celebrities. Packed on the weekends. Check www.ohoo.net.

Cafe Mou

Sinsa-dong

This cafe has a rich ethnic interior that mixes inspirations that its owner got from travels to such places as Morocco and France. Its menu is limited, but features desserts. It’s located at the edge of Dosan Park. 650-9 Park View Building, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, near the Cine City Theater in Apgujeongdong. Call (02) 3444-6069.

Le Nuit Blanche

Cheongdam-dong

Formerly Club Answer, Le Nuit Blanche is introduced as a posh restaurant, theater and club. Located in front of Hotel Prima in Cheongdam-dong, Le Nuit Blanche offers Cirque du Soleil-type performances at its theater restaurant. World class DJs from all over the world are invited to perform at the club. Call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.lenuitblanche.com.

Club Heaven

Yeoksam-dong

Located next to the Renaissance Seoul Hotel, Heaven is gaining a reputation as a clubber’s paradise with star DJs and a celebrity clientele. Electronic music is the main menu, with laser light and paper confetti shows aplenty on the side. The club caters to partying at any hour of the night: the “main stage” on the first floor is open until 6:30 a.m., while club hoppers can enter the upper level’s “after stage” after 4:30 a.m. Call 1644-8466.

Platoon Kunsthalle

Apgujeong-dong

Platoon Kunsthalle is a cultural space where visitors can enjoy various facilities, including an event hall, library lounge, art studios and a bar and restaurant. Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. DJ nights on Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. Located near exit 10 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. Visit www.kunsthalle.com or www.platoon.org.

Naos Nova

Itaewon

A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning, that it was featured in several interior design magazines before its doors even opened to the public. Its location across from Namsan Park gives it a wonderful, cool atmosphere. Visit www.naosnova.com (448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul) or call (02) 754-2202.

Gachi

Salsa music enthusiasts can dance the night away here. The beat of salsa music will lead you to the club. To go to Gachi, get off at Apgujeong Line 3 and go out exit 5. After walking past six streets, look for Matilda Club and Bar on the seventh street, turn left and look for Gachi’s red and white sign. Gachi is open from Mondays to Fridays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call (02) 540-7087.

St.102

This hip-hop club often has special parties and performances. There are many Korean homies here with do-rags, dreads and baseball caps turned sideways. Visit st102.cyworld.com. 360-18 Seogyo-dong, Hongdae or call (02) 335-7166.

Moonyang Bar

This place is an Asian-inspired lounge on the third floor of a building on Parking Lot street in the Hongdae area. The stone walls feature photographs and rusted steel plates cover the windows. This place is in Mapo at Seogyo-dong, 366-17. Call (02) 338-1523.

Rocky Mountain Tavern

A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, woody bar, the tavern is spread out over two floors. Find it on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 5 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.

Club FF

This live music venue features all kinds of music. Depending on the night, they feature funk, punk, rock or pop. Club FF attracts an eclectic mix of people. Walk down to the alley with Club Tool on the corner and turn right. Visit clubff.cyworld.com.

Above

This medium-sized wine bar in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel is one of Itaewon’s swankiest hangouts. The candlelight, tiled indoor pond and the designs on the door seem Moorish. Located at 19-25 Itaewon-dong store 22-ho. Call (02) 749-0717.

Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best known jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night usually starting at 7: 30 p.m. The place exudes an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date. It is located on the street between the Hakdong intersection and the Galleria intersection in Apgujeong-dong. Call (02) 549-5490 or www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.

The Spot

If you like punk or alternative music, then you should hit The Spot. It is a live music venue located next to the playground near Hongik University. The Spot is a small basement bar, and it is a mainly standing room-only place. Visit www.clubspot.co.kr or call (02) 322-5956, (02) 3141-6876.

Casa Del Vino

This dark, intimate bar offers a great selection of wine, and it’s a great place to chill out. It’s near the Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada buildings in Cheongdam-dong. Call (02) 542-8003.

Traditional

Folk performances

The Korea House

Open Run

The Korea House will hold a series of traditional performances. The entrance fee is 29,000 won. Each performance includes a traditional Korean dinner. Visit www.koreahouse.or.kr or call (02) 2266-9101. Located near exit 3 of Chungmuro Station, subway lines 3 and 4.

Art Exhibitions

Animal Theater of Joy, Anger, Sorrow and Pleasure

Gallery Chezart

Through May 25

Artist Kim Hee-jeong brings a solo exhibition depicting the grief and joy of birds. Gallery Chezart is located at Yangjae Station on subway line number 3. Visit www.blog.naver.com/gchezart for more information (Korean only).

Cupiditas

Brain Factory

Through May 30

A solo painting exhibition by Ryu No-ah focuses on the conflicts of human psychodrama on desire. The Brain Factory, a non-profit exhibition space, is located in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, near Gyeongbok-gung Station on line number 3. Call (02) 725-9520 for more information.

Under the Coral-like Blue Concrete

Factory Gallery

May 26-June 20

Vicky Sungeun Kim, an artist educated at both Columbia University and the University of London, brings her newest sculptural-installation pieces to Seoul. Factory Gallery is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.factory483.org.

Dream in Dream

Uijeongbu Arts Center

Through May 29

An exhibition showcasing 10 famous foreign artists and 58 local artists is opening at the Uijeongbu Art Center. Artists include Joan Miro, Andy Warhol, and Lee Suk-ju. The center is located a 15-minute walk away from Uijeongbu Station on subway line 1, exit 2. Visit www.uac.or.kr.

First Decade

Seoul Museum of Art

Through May 23

The Seoul Museum of Art and Gwangju Museum of Art present an exhibition in five parts to commemorate the first 10 years of the century. The Seoul Museum of Art is located behind Deoksugung Palace at the City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.

Alice in Picture Book Land

Neverland Museum in the Heyri Artists’ Village

Through June 30

The Neverland Museum has collaborated with nine local and foreign artists to bring an exhibition as eccentric and charming as Alice in Wonderland. The Heyri Artists’ Village is located in Paju. Take subway line 2 to Hapjeong Station, exit and take bus 2200 to the city. Visit www.heyri.net for more information.

Between Us: Kirogi Family

Alternative Space Geonhi

Through May 19

Lee Myung-sook presents a solo photography exhibition hosted by the Geonhi Art Foundation. Take subway lines 1 or 4 to Dongdaemun Station, exit 10. Visit www.geonhi.com.

White Light Black Water

Gwangju Museum of Art

Through June 6

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, the Gwangju Museum of Art will feature works from Hong Sung-dam, a representative artist of the era. Older and new pieces created in the past decade will be shown at the museum’s Sangrok Gallery. Call (062) 613-7100.

The Moon Is the Oldest Clock

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through July 4

Eleven artists bring together their latest works in a new exhibition by the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon. Visit www.moca.go.kr.

Harmony

N Gallery

Three international artists collaborate to bring a new exhibition to Seoul. Kim Byung-jong of Korea, Akiyama Jun of Japan and Lee Sun-don of Taiwan will showcase works at N Gallery in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.ngalleryart.com or call (02) 7430-3323.

Eye Trace

Doosan Gallery

Through June 17

Lee Hyung-gu is opening a solo exhibition at Doosan Gallery. The venue is located in Jongno-gu. Visit www.doosangallery.com.

Ahn Chang-hong

Leeahn Gallery

Through May 22

Ahn Chang-hong, a prolific artist active for more than two decades, is opening a show at the Leeahn Gallery. The venue is in Daegu, visit www.leeahngallery.com.

‘Good-Bye My Loneliness’

Insa Art Center

Through May 18

Woo Nam-joo presents a solo exhibition after returning to Korea for the first time in 15 years. Woo spent time studying abroad in France, Italy and Australia. Insa Art Center is located in Yongdu-dong, Dongdaemun-gu. Call (02) 953-8401.

Seed Bank

Seo Gallery

Kim Chun-hee, Park Hyeon-jin, Shin Soo-jin and Jeong Chan-boo are collaborating on an abstract, contemporary art show. Seo Gallery is located in Seocho-gu; call (02) 522-5618.

Night

Kukje Gallery

American artist Jack Pierson brings his latest found-art word sculptures to Seoul. Kukje Gallery is located in Jongno-gu; visit www.kukjegallery.com.

Comic Book Showcase

Coreana Museum of Art

Through June 27

Kim Sang-ha’s personal collection of comic books offers a rare peek into the Japanese subculture in the 8th open gallery of the Coreana Museum of Art. More than 3,000 books will be presented at the exhibition, sure to pique the interest of everyone. The museum is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.spacec.co.kr.

What Takes Place in Memory

Gallery LVS

Indian artist M. Pravat opens a solo exhibition, presenting a look into the rising middle-class in fast-growing India. Gallery LVS is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Call (02) 3443-7475 for details.

Domestic Era

Gallery Sun Contemporary

Through June 5

Shin Dong-won presents a solo exhibition of his porcelain relief works on domestic life. Gallery Sun Contemporary is loacted in Insa-dong; take subway line 3 to Anguk Station, exit 6. Visit www.suncontemporary.com.

Images of Korean Motifs

Book Sadang Gallery

Sangmyung University is hosting 19 artists in their exhibition “Images of Korean Motifs.” The event will be held at the main university library. Call (02) 2287-7026.

Pink City

Gallery Root

Kim Boo-yeong brings another solo exhibition to Seoul this spring. Kim spent several years living and presenting her art in Paris, France. The exhibition focuses on her works depicting children. Visit www.galleryroot.co.kr.

X-Ray Photo Art

Keumsan Gallery

May 15-June 6

Doctor Chung Tae-seop brings new works to his X-ray series in a solo show. Keumsan Gallery is located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Visit www.keumsan.org.

OHOHH

Gallery Plant

Through May 26

Hwang Se-jun opens a solo exhibition in Seoul. Gallery Plant is in Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu. Visit www.galleryplant.kr.

Phantoms

Atelier Hermes

Renowned French installation artist Bertrand Lavier will be presenting old and new works at Atelier Hermes, located on the third floor of the Hermes flagship store, near Dosan Park, southern Seoul.

Being a Queen

The Museum of Photography, Seoul

Chun Kyung-woo is holding a solo show at the Museum of Photography. The museum is located at the 19th and 20th floors of Hanmi Tower, Bangi-dong, Songpa, Seoul. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.

Time Is a Mirror

Gallery b’ONE

Kim Mi-kyung, graduate of the New York Parsons School of Design, is opening her first solo exhibit at Gallery b’ONE. The gallery in Hwa-dong, Jongno, Seoul. Visit www.gallerybeone.kr.

Martin Wehmer

Michael Schultz Gallery

Through May 21

German artist Martin Wehmer presents his next solo exhibition in Seoul at the European-focused art gallery. Michael Schultz Gallery is in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.schultzgallery.co.kr.

Radiance

PKM Gallery

Through June 11

Park Chan-kyong presents his works on the loss of the “Korean utopia” in his latest solo exhibition. PKM Gallery, in collaboration with Bartleby Bickle & Meursault, is located in Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu. visit www.pkmgallery.com.

Kids

Family Musical “Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town”

Dome Art Hall, Children’s Grand Park

Through May 16

The Broadway family musical “Thomas and Friends” will be staged in Korea by the original creative team. The show is set on the Island of Sodor where Thomas and other train engines are preparing for a big circus event. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 50,000 won. For More information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Children’s Grand Park Station on subway line 7.

Fart King Ppwung Ppwung

Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoekwan Theater

EBS program “Fart King Ppwung Ppwung,” becomes a children’s musical featuring fun songs. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 45,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 7 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

Sports Games

Baseball

Saturday, May 15

KIA Tigers vs. Hanhwa Eagles

Hanbat Stadium at 5 p.m.

Lotte Giants vs. LG Twins

Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Doosan Bears vs. SK Wyverns

Munhak Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Samsung Lions vs. Nexen Heroes

Mokdong Baseball Stadium at 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 16

Horseracing

The Gwacheon Seoul Race Track holds races from 10:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Get off at Seoul Racecourse Station, subway line 4, exit 3. For more information, call (02)509-1114 or visit at www.kra.co.kr.

Ouhi Cha’s La Boite de la Memoire

Watergate Gallery

Ouhi Cha returns to Korea for the first time in two years at Watergate Gallery. The show will present myriad drawings, paintings and large installations before traveling to Chang Art in Beijing, this June. Watergate is in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.watergate.co.kr.

Kim Ji-won

PKM Trinity Gallery

Through June 4

Kim Ji-won returns with a solo show of her new works at PKM Trinity Gallery this spring. The PKM Trinity Gallery is in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. For more information go to www.pkmgallery.com

Park Soo-keun

Gallery Hyundai

Gallery Hyundai commemorates the 45th anniversary of the renowned Park Soo-keun’s death with an exhibition. Park, a historic figure in modern Korean art, became known at an international level posthumously. Gallery Hyundai is located in Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu. Visit www.galleryhyundai.com.

Kwak Su-yeon

Gallery Erl

June 1-July 1

Kwak Su-yeon is holding a solo exhibition on new works that critique human greed, consumption and hypocrisy at the Gallery Erl ― through the satirical use of animals as her main subject. Gallery Erl is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.galleryerl.com.

Tokujin Yoshioka: Spectrum

museum.beyond Museum

Internationally renowned Tokujin Yoshioka brings his beautifully simplistic works to Seoul ― including the famous “Tornado,” a piece constructed of 15,000 clear plastic straws ― in his first solo exhibition here. The museum is located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam. Visit www.beyondmuseum.com.